Carers' Experiences
The Department of Health has set up a partnership with www.horsesmouth.co.uk to host 300 "Living Well with Dementia" mentors. This is an innovative support network for people with dementia and their carers or former carers. They are currently seeking people with dementia, their carers and family members to become online mentors to help others facing the challenges you have faced (the idea being where better to go for advice than the horses mouth). Horsesmouth mentors share information and advice on dealing with the challenges of dementia and gaining confidence that it is possible to live well with dementia and continue to play an active and useful role in society. Mentors can chose how much or how little time they can devote to online mentoring. They want to enable people with experiences of dementia to offer one another support and empower those seeking advice to choose the right mentor for them. Carers often express the wish to support others, however we would suggest that it is important to think through how much you want to take on depending on your circumstances. It is a general mentoring website and is an interesting idea. If you have any questions you can email them under the contact section. To become a Living Well with Dementia mentor visit:Living well with Dementia Mentors
Uniting Carers Members Speak at 4th UK Dementia Congress
Three members of Uniting Carers shared their experiences as part of the opening session, alongside personal accounts from people living with dementia, at the UK Dementia Congress in Harrogate, November 2009.
Michelle Poole spoke about caring for her elderly mother. Read her story here.
Read Jim Swift's experience of looking after his wife, Jan, who has young-onset dementia.
Brian Hills shared his story about caring for his wife, Jean, who had dementia for over nine years.
Telling Tales about Dementia
Lucy Whitman, a member of Uniting Carers, a writer and former carer, has compiled an anthology of personal accounts by 30 carers from a variety of backgrounds. The result is the moving book: Telling Tales about Dementia: Experiences of Caring, which features a number of contributions from members of Uniting Carers. It is published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
Dementia UK is delighted to be involved in this publication. Barbara Stephens, Chief Executive says,
"Telling tales about dementia reveals the true impact of dementia on people's lives. The stories told here are both moving and inspiring. They vividly reflect the tragedy of dementia, the gravity of loss and the complexity of the journey. But there is hope and optimism too."
John Suchet, Honorary President of Dementia UK:
"These personal accounts by family carers, harrowing, distressing, but also inspiring and uplifting, will have you weeping one moment and laughing the next, as they describe struggling to manage situations that range from horrific to comical. The single most valuable achievement of this book is to tell carers they are not alone. The more of us there are, the stronger we become, and the better we can fight for our loved ones in the face of this cruel disease."
Lucy's book is now available to purchase through Dementia UK at £12.99. If you wish to purchase a copy please call 020 7874 7203. All sales through Dementia UK will benefit the charity.
Carer Jean Tottie speaks out at London Conference
Jean Tottie whose father has dementia speaks about the impact of dementia on carers and particularly working carers. Although she is an expert in the care of older people, with 35 years working in health and social care, she describes her frustration and anger at the obstacles put in her way and how hard it has been to get the help and support she needs.
John Sprange's Story
Uniting Carers member John Sprange often speaks to professionals and the media about his experiences of caring for his father who has dementia. Read John's story here.